New Delhi: Elon Musk-owned satellite internet company Starlink has suffered a regulatory setback in India, with the government declining approval for its Gen-2 satellite network, which includes direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity. The Indian space regulator IN-SPACe has rejected the Gen-2 application, citing gaps in regulatory preparedness and spectrum approval. However, the company has received clearance for its Gen-1 satellite constellation, allowing it to move ahead with conventional satellite broadband services in the country.
According to officials familiar with the matter, Starlink had sought approval for both Gen-1 and Gen-2 satellite systems as part of its plan to launch services in India. Following a detailed review, IN-SPACe granted authorisation only for Gen-1, while the Gen-2 proposal was rejected for not meeting current technical and regulatory requirements.
Certified Cyber Crime Investigator Course Launched by Centre for Police Technology
Why Gen-2 Was Not Approved
Government sources said Starlink had submitted the Gen-2 application three to four years ago, at a time when direct-to-device satellite communication technology was still evolving and lacked a defined regulatory framework in India. Since then, the Gen-2 system has incorporated several advanced capabilities, including D2D communication and the use of multiple frequency bands, some of which are not yet permitted for commercial use in India.
Officials indicated that the proposed Gen-2 features did not align with India’s existing space and telecom regulations. As a result, the application could not be cleared. At the same time, regulators have signalled that a fresh application may be considered in the future, once policies and spectrum guidelines for D2D services are finalised.
Green Signal for Gen-1 Satellite Broadband
With approval for Gen-1, Starlink is now authorised to deploy more than 4,400 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites to provide traditional satellite broadband services in India. The service is expected to focus on remote and underserved regions, where terrestrial broadband infrastructure such as fibre networks and mobile towers remains limited or absent.
Industry observers believe satellite broadband could play a key role in expanding internet access in difficult terrains, border areas and rural pockets, complementing existing telecom networks rather than replacing them.
Government Still Weighing D2D Policy
India currently does not permit direct-to-device satellite connectivity, which allows mobile phones and other devices to connect directly to satellites without relying on ground-based infrastructure. The government, along with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), is still deliberating on the policy framework for such services.
Regulators will need to finalise spectrum allocation, licensing norms, interference safeguards and security protocols before D2D services can be approved. Officials said discussions are ongoing, but no timeline has been set for a final decision.
Gen-2 Cleared in the United States
Globally, Starlink has continued to expand its next-generation network. The company has received approval from the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to deploy 7,500 Gen-2 satellites, taking its total satellite count to nearly 15,000 worldwide.
The Gen-2 satellites feature an advanced form factor and upgraded technology, enabling higher data capacity, improved coverage and new connectivity applications. Despite this progress overseas, it remains unclear when Starlink will reapply for Gen-2 approval in India.
Experts suggest that Starlink is likely to wait until India’s policy stance on direct-to-device satellite communication becomes clearer before making its next regulatory move.
